Whittlesea Council Mayor Cr Stevan Kozmevski has called on greater investment by the State Government following the release of Victoria in Future 2012.

The report outlines future population and household growth with Melbourne expected to grow from 4.1 million to 5.4 million between 2011 and 2031.

Cr Kozmevski said the report reinforced the need for greater investment from the state and federal governments for vital infrastructure and services in growth areas.

In the next 20 years the strongest growth is expected in Melbourne’s urban fringe including Whittlesea, Cardinia and Wyndham.

While growth was overwhelmingly positive, much needs to be done to ensure new residents have access to vital amenities and services, said Cr Kozmevski.

“Affordable housing is one thing, but affordable living another issue entirely,” he said. “Without public transport, improved roads, schools and key health and recreation services, communities face not only health and lifestyle challenges but affordability issues, which are exacerbated by rising fuel costs and mortgage rates.”

With more than 160 people moving to Whittlesea each week, local government with its limited revenue source can only do so much to keep pace with this, said Cr Kozmevski.

“As a designated growth area, we need the state and federal governments to create infrastructure and services ahead of growth,” he said.

“Our capacity to meet infrastructure demands is limited and new communities are missing out on the essential infrastructure necessary for health and wellbeing.”

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